The choice of a swimming means for fishing or active recreation on the water often leads enthusiasts to consider time-tested models, among which a special place is occupied by the company. PVC boat Navigator 320This model has been one of the bestsellers in the Russian market for many years due to the optimal balance between cost, capacity and reliability of the design, and owners appreciate it for its versatility, allowing the vessel to be used both for quiet fishing in small water bodies and for more dynamic movement on moderate rivers.
Many newcomers wonder why the 320mm size has become so popular in the inflatable boat lineup, and the answer lies in the middle: the dimensions allow two adult fishermen with tackles to comfortably fit, while still allowing for quick assembly and transportation in the trunk of a passenger car. Navigator 320 It is designed to minimize weight without losing strength, making it an ideal choice for those who do not want to carry heavy aluminum or plywood structures.
In this article, we will discuss the design features, analyze the behavior of the vessel on the water and give practical advice on the choice of attachments. Understanding the nuances of operation will help to avoid common errors and prolong the life of your boat. Below is a detailed analysis that will help you make an informed decision about the purchase or modernization of existing equipment.
Structural features and materials of the body
The basis of durability of any inflatable boat is the quality of the materials used. PVC Boat Navigator 320 It is traditionally made of high-density reinforced polyvinyl chloride, a multi-layer composite with a synthetic thread mesh between the PVC layers that provides resistance to tears and punctures, and the fabric density is usually 750 g/sqm, which is standard for economy and mid-range boats, ensuring sufficient stiffness of the side during pumping.
Special attention should be paid to the system of seams. In the production of hot welding method, which ensures the monolithicity of joints and eliminates leaks even with prolonged exposure to load. Navigator 320 Often equipped with reinforced piercing beams around the perimeter, which protects the sides from abrasion on the berths, rocks or sand when pulling ashore, this is a critical element, since it is the lower part of the board that is subjected to the greatest mechanical impact.
⚠️ Note: When buying, pay special attention to the quality of gluing of the seams in the nose and at the transom. Even a microscopic defect in welding can lead to depressurization of the balloon under pressure in the sun.
The bottom of the boat also deserves a separate discussion, as it directly affects the performance. Navigator 320 It can come with a low pressure inflatable floor (LDPB) or a stringer system and a high pressure inflatable floor. The first option provides maximum comfort and buoyancy, the second one is a stiffer body, better shaped in choppy conditions. The choice of the specific type depends on your priorities: comfort or speed.
- 🛡️ PVC reinforced - resistance to punctures and ultraviolet light.
- 🔥 Hot welding of seams - guarantee the tightness of the connections.
- 📏 Reinforced timber Protection against mechanical damage.
- 🌊 Bottom variability The choice between the NDND and the hard inflatable floor.
specifications and completeness of the model
When analyzing the technical parameters, it is impossible not to note the compactness Navigator 320 The standard package is usually two inflatable tubes, an inflatable floor, two inflatable seats (banks), a backpack bag, a remix and an instructional package, with dimensions inflated approximately 320 cm long and 145-150 cm wide, allowing two passengers to feel confident on the water.
The model’s load capacity varies depending on the year of production and the specific modification, but averages about 350-400 kg. This means that the boat can easily withstand two people of average build and about 50-70 kg of equipment. Tranza made of moisture-resistant plywood, covered with special enamel or laminate, and is able to withstand the installation of the engine with a capacity of up to 5-8 hp, although the optimal range is considered to be 3-5 hp.
It is important to understand that the actual payload is always less than the declared carrying capacity, since part of the weight is eaten by the boat design itself and the push force of the water. Therefore, when planning long fishing with a large number of tackles and anchors, you should focus on the lower limits of the carrying capacity.
Below is a comparative table of specifications that will help you navigate in parameters:
| Parameter | Meaning | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Full length | 320 cm | With the inflated nose in mind. |
| Full width | 145-150 cm | Depends on the pressure in the cylinders |
| Weight of kit | 26-32 kg | No motor or hinge. |
| Recommended engine power | 3-8 hp | Optimum 5 hp. |
Driving qualities and behavior on the water
On the water. PVC boat Navigator 320 It's a stable and predictable vessel, and because of its rounded bow, it can actually cut through a small wave, although on the headwinds you can see the sailing pattern that all high-cylinder inflatable boats have, and the control is more confident about the engine that shifts the center of gravity and pushes the nose against the water.
When using low-power engines (up to 5 hp), the boat goes for planing with only one lightweight passenger. With two adults on board, it goes into displacement mode, accelerating to 10-12 km / h. This is quite enough to move between fishing points, but do not expect racing speeds. Navigator 320 It is designed for reliability and efficiency, not for speed records.
⚠️ Attention: When you go out for a planing session with one person, distribute the weight of the load evenly. Shifting the center of gravity back can lead to the risk of "goat" (throwing over through the nose).
The maneuverability of the model is rated as good for its size class, and turns are quite sharp, which is important when fishing in a trough or in reed thickets, but you should remember that inflatable sides extinguish the energy of the stroking, so controlling the oars requires more effort than on hard-bottom counterparts.
To improve the course stability and reduce yaw in the wind, it is recommended to install transom wheels for an outboard motor, which will work as additional stabilizers, or use a crank extender for more accurate control.
Choice of motor and attachment equipment
Engine selection for Navigator 320 A motor that is too powerful (over 8 hp) can overload the transom and make the boat unstable, and a motor that is too weak will prevent even one from plane alone, and many experts call two-stroke motors that can produce 5-6 hp and weigh up to 20 kg the optimal choice.
When you put the engine in, it's important to adjust the angle of the lower unit, so if the boat's nose is too up, it will dig water and not accelerate, and if it's lowered too low, it will increase the water resistance and the risk of flooding the wave through the transom. Navigator 320 It has a standard mounting, compatible with most outboard motors.
The additional equipment is to pay attention to the anchor-cat weighing 3-4 kg. For a boat of this size, this is enough to anchor on the current or in the wind. Also useful will be soft linings on the cans, as standard inflatable seats can rub their feet during prolonged fishing.
- ⚓ Cat anchor - optimal weight of 3-4 kg for fixation.
- 🔋 Battery - for motors with electric starter or sonar.
- 🎣 The rod-holders - attached to cylinders or cans.
- 🛡️ Protective tape. - to strengthen the bottom of the abrasive.
Assembly, storage and maintenance
Assembly process PVC boats Navigator 320 It takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on the user's experience and the type of bottom, always starting with a flat surface layout and cleaning debris, pumping cylinders to a pressure of 0.2 atm, then giving the boat to "spread" in the sun for 10-15 minutes, then pumping to working pressure (usually 0.25 atm).
It is important not to pump cylinders in hot weather, as the expansion of air can cause the seams to rupture. Navigator 320Like any PVC boat, it's sensitive to temperature extremes, and if you pump the boat in the morning in cool weather, by lunchtime in the sun, the pressure inside can rise critically.
☑️ Season preparation checklist
Storage is carried out in a dry, ventilated room at a temperature of -20 to +40 degrees. Before packaging, the boat must be thoroughly washed with fresh water, dried and folded, avoiding sharp cloth cloth. Regular use of protective sprays for PVC will help to maintain the elasticity of the material and protect it from ultraviolet light.
⚠️ Warning: Never keep the boat in an inflated state for a long time (more than 2-3 days), especially in direct sunlight, which leads to irreversible deformation of the seams and loss of material properties.
Comparison with competitors and final conclusions
In the face of competitors such as Flagship, hunter or Aquaboat Navigator 320 It's a great choice for its affordability while maintaining quality, and it may be inferior to more expensive models in terms of additional pockets, inflatable floor stiffness, or fittings, but for the budget segment, it's one of the leaders.
The main advantage is the repairability and prevalence of spare parts. Finding a valve or a piece of fabric for repair in case of which it will not be difficult. For beginners of water engines who want to try their hand without a large investment, this is ideal.
The secret of the Navigator's durability
Experienced owners recommend after each season completely pasting and re-painting the junction of the transom with cylinders with a special glue for PVC, even if there is no visible damage. This preventive action prolongs the life of the boat by 3-5 years.
In conclusion, it may be said that PVC boat Navigator 320 It's a workhorse that will pay for the money it's invested in, and it doesn't claim to be a luxury yacht, but it does its job of getting the fisherman to the cool spot, and with care and timely service, it will serve for many seasons, giving you unforgettable moments of connection with nature.
The 320 is the best choice for entering the world of water engines: cheap, reliable, maintainable and comfortable enough for two.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the maximum weight of the Navigator 320?
The officially declared load capacity is about 350-400 kg. However, for comfortable and safe operation, it is recommended not to exceed the load of 250-300 kg, taking into account the weight of passengers, engine, fuel and equipment.
Can I put on the Navigator 320 engine 9.9 hp?
Technically, a 9.9 hp engine is possible if the transom is reinforced, but this is not recommended by manufacturers. The boat can become unstable, and the transom can not withstand vibrations and loads on the kink. The optimal power for this model is 5-6 hp, a maximum of 8 hp for experienced users.
How to properly seal a puncture at home?
You need to deflate the balloon, degrease the puncture site with alcohol or acetone, cut the patch from the remplekt (round shape) and glue it with a special glue for PVC (for example, polyurethane or two-component), the glue is applied to both surfaces, dried to "lip" (5-10 minutes), then the surfaces are strongly pressed. Drying - 24 hours.
Do I need to lubricate the valves before storage?
Yes, rubber valve seals are recommended to be lubricated with silicone lubricant, which will prevent them from drying out and cracking, ensure tightness, and make it easier to open/close the valve next season. Normal oils can not be used - they destroy PVC.